Welcome to 99 AND UNDER THE RADAR: A LOOK AT INDIE THEATER'S MOVERS AND SHAKERS, BroadwayWorld's new weekly series that showcases standout productions and production companies from the independent theater scene in New York City. Each week, independent producer Michael Roderick will be discussing the latest goings on in the theatrical wings, highlighting those with potentially bright futures.
This Week's Topic: It's beginning to look a lot like Mix-Mas
The Independent theater scene has always been known for it's eclectic mixes of theatrical experiences and as the holiday season approaches, this year is no exception. Here's a look at three incredibly different, theatrical experiences in the Indie world that are certainly worth putting on the list before the holiday.
In true Christmas Spirit, Shotgun Productions, Penguin Rep, and Diverse City Theater Company present Santa Clause is Coming Out, a very clever one man show directed with aplomb by Joe Brancato. The piece has been put together as a result of interviews about the sexual orientation of one jolly old elf and treats the audience to host of memorable characters including Santa's agent,
an activist who creates an organization with a very funny name, and a musical little boy who wants a doll for Christmas. This was a piece that was incredibly comedic and yet also sharp and political. In fact, one could say that certain members of the NY State Senate should have tickets to this stuffed in their stocking. Written and performed by Jeffrey Solomon, this piece takes on stereotypes and holds a mirror up to our society in a way that few shows do. Solomon is also incredibly adpet at finding character nuances throughout the peice making it feel like there is more than one person on stage. This show could become a different kind of holiday classic. One that asks an audience to take a hard look at thier prejudices and make a decisoon as to whether or not they have been good this year. Whatever the answer is, it's a good idea to catch this Fires in the Mirror inspired Santa-spose'. You can get tickets here.
Next up is Backyart's XXX event. No it's not what one may think. The X's stand for X-citing, X-
Mas, Xtravaganza. Backyart is one of the most creative companies because they seek to not only do new material, but also to incorporate multiple forms of art into their presentations. Their mission reads:
" Backyart is a Brooklyn based foundation that provides artists from all disciplines with a community that embraces artistic individuality and supports the creation of their work. By presenting monthly events that showcase diverse art forms in alternative spaces, we strive to expose audiences to work in a way that breaks down the limitations of traditional genre-specific venues. We encourage collaboration, community, and the development of new work. Originally formed in the backyard of a private home in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Backyart has since expanded its commitment to participating artists by providing free studio space and materials, teaming up with other organizations to provide Backyart artists with more opportunity for exposure, and networking with art communities in other regions of the US and Europe."
And in a new move, they have brought their unique style to the Manhattan's Center Stage NY (Also co-producers of the event) where this XXX event is set to premier. There are still tickets avaialable here, but they are going quickly.
Last on the list is a venue that is often known more for comedy than for Theatre, but has recently been crossing the divide. The Upright Citizens Brigade has been hosting comedy shows for years, but they have recently opened up to some theatrical presentations. The most unique thus far was the stunning and clever Stephen King's Highschool musical which ran in conjunction with a series of sketch comedy groups last night. The show was written by Jamie King and Sam Rosenberg and the wit of the writing was on the same level as that of the Urinetown folks. Don't be surprised if this duo is writing musical comedy for Broadway producers very soon. The show also featured some great performers including Sarah Jane Yurek as Carrie with a song about telekenises that had the audience nearly falling out of their seats with laughter, and Brianna Tyson who's portrayal of Carrie's zombie mother was one of teh highlights of the night. Thi show ran only one night, but hopefully the UCB folks wil take note and keep producing originals like this as they make great treats this holiday season.
